News

Two Vinton-Shellburg High School students were recognized both locally and nationally on Friday. The students had created a project concerning the Cold War targeting the use of MIA and POW. The National Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary recognized the students with a special certificate of appreciation for unwavering support for Uncommon Heroes.

City officials in Shellsburg hosted an official ceremony on Thursday, November 16th to honor the historic Sells Street bridge and officially open the new Smith Street bridge.   Mayor Lonnie Speckner provided information about the Sells Street bridge being built in 1915 and serving the community for 108 years.   That bridge will now become a pedestrian bridge.

The Bear Creek Church, located at 5177 26th Ave., Brandon on V71 just south of Brandon, has been undergoing some much-needed preservation work on the building. Built in 1900. the building has been maintained as best as it could through various groups of volunteers. The goal is to make the country church into a presentable location for small weddings and gatherings.

On Veterans Day, a group of more than 100, met at the newly constructed Veterans Memorial. Created next to City Hall, the third time was a charm in securing a final location for the tribute. It can be seen as you drive past on the highway, so in hindsight, it was probably the best possible location for the monument. The Grand Lodge of Iowa officiated the ceremony and several spoke at the ceremony.

The newly organized Friends of the Vinton Library are selling reusable book bags just in time for Christmas. The sturdy bags are the perfect gift to carry books back and forth to the library. The canvas and polyester blend bags must be preordered and can be ordered Monday, November 20th through Wednesday, November 29th. Cost of the bags are $15 for the cream colored canvas bag and $20 for the polyester blend gray bag.

Company donates $4 million to Hometown Care Energy FundFor the third consecutive year, Alliant Energy has donated $4 million to its Hometown Care Energy Fund to help customers who struggle financially to pay their energy bills. The funding is split evenly between customers in Iowa and Wisconsin.Alliant Energy encourages customers in need of financial assistance to apply for the funds to assist with paying and managing their energy bill.

At a balmy 61 degrees, it was a pleasant night to watch the Christmas floats pass by. The various organizations and businesses along with the Vinton Fire Department came out to escort Santa into Vinton to kick off the Christmas season. Santa visited with children in the courthouse following the parade. The best photo of Santa with his visitors was a selfie.

By Jared StrongA mixed-species backyard flock of 86 birds in Benton County was recently infected by a highly transmissible avian flu, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.It is the 14th detection of the virus in Iowa this fall. The infections have led to the culling of about 1.4 million birds to prevent the virus’ spread.

Legion members and Scouts honored worn flags with a solemn retirement ceremony on Saturday morning.Since 1937, the American Legion has helped honor worn American flags with a solemn disposal-by-burning ceremony. Members of the Vinton American Legion, retired dozens of worn flags by burning them, after reciting the ceremony approved by the Legion 82 years ago.

This Sunday there will be events happening in downtown Vinton for the annual Christmas open houses held by area businesses. From 12-4:00 p.m. the stores will be open offering some holiday cheer.LaGrange Pharmacy LaGrange Pharmacy will be offering 25% off of one item in store. Prescriptions and gift cards are exempt. There will be many gifts available to kick off the Christmas season! Enjoy refreshments and sign up for door prizes while you shop!Better Together Stop at Better Together and pet some of the adorable kittens who live there! The organization will be holding a bake sale to support their ongoing efforts to save the felines in town.